REIGNING Intersteps Series champion Matt Parry will graduate to Formula Renault in 2013, having re-signed with the Fortec team that guided him to his title last season.

REIGNING Intersteps Series champion Matt Parry will graduate to Formula Renault in 2013, having re-signed with the Fortec team that guided him to his title last season.

In his third year of single-seater racing, Cardiff’s Parry will contest the entire Formula Renault Northern European Cup, and make several appearances on the Renault World Series bill as part of the Formula Renault Eurocup.

Support for his programme will again come from the Caterham F1 Driver Development Programme and Sport Wales.

Since clinching the Intersteps crown with a record-breaking performance that netted new marks for the number of wins, points and podiums in 2012, Parry has been testing intensively with the Daventry-based Fortec team, determined to be ready for the next rung of the single-seater ladder.

He has already put in the miles at circuits around Europe, including Barcelona, Silverstone, Zandvoort, Spa-Francorchamps and Valencia, and believes he can be a front-runner from the start of his first full international campaign since graduating from a successful karting career.

“I’m looking forward to stepping up to Formula Renault, and racing in the very competitive Northern European Cup,” 18-year old Parry commented.

“After the success of last year, Formula Renault is the logical choice for my career progression, and racing internationally will provide a new and interesting challenge.

“It’s not going to be easy, but I believe I’ve made the right choice in remaining with Fortec, which took the NEC title last season, and know that, with the support of Caterham F1 and Sport Wales, I have everything in place to succeed.”

The relationship with both Caterham F1 and Sport Wales will provide Parry with the ideal back-up to his challenge, as he benefits from not only financial support, but also their respective training and advice programmes, and use of the Olympic-standard Sport Wales facilities at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

“I couldn’t ask for better supporters than Caterham F1 and Sport Wales,” admitted Parry, who will again carry the famous green-and-yellow Caterham colours in 2013,

“The information and facilities they put at my disposal will prove invaluable throughout the season, and I look forward to repaying their faith with success on the track.”

The former national kart champion will be hoping to continue Fortec’s recent success in Formula Renault, after the team claimed both the title and third overall in the 2012 NEC standings.

“Fortec Motorsport are proud to retain Matt Parry for a second year, and thank Caterham for their trust in our ability,” team manager Jamie Dye commented.

“We are confident that Matt can win back-to-back titles from Intersteps to NEC Renault, although the grid is the strongest it's ever been.